Nissan is to begin production of the new Primera at Sunderland on December 17. The new car, which marks an important step forward in Nissan's product-led revival in Europe, will go on sale from the beginning of March next year.

Total investment for the new car has been 344m euro (£215 million), of which 166.4m euro (£104 million) has been on new facilities at the Sunderland plant. An extra 300 fixed-term contract staff have been recruited to support the launch of the new Primera. The total number of staff now employed by Nissan in Sunderland is around 4,700.

From a standing start production will be increased to its full production level of around 120,000 cars a year in less than six weeks, a new record for Nissan in Europe. Around 80% of annual production is expected to be exported outside of the UK, with the main markets being in Europe.

In total, 110 suppliers in 16 countries will supply parts for the new car.